Chapter 1: Forest Interlude

The young boy sat at the roots of the grand tree. It's been hours yet he hadn't moved. His head resting on the palm of his hand he stared out into the open field. Fairies and whisps floated around all gathering to the ordeal. The air was still and occasional coos of birds were heard. The grove that was full of life, seemed to be frozen in time. The boy raised his head and pulled out the green stone that sparkled full of life and energy. It's emerald stones glistened as the light that peered through the leaves of the forest hit the stone. Gold vines hugged the three stones together. Was it all worth it? Why him? Why did he have to do this? It wasn't fair. His companion flew around not saying a word either. It seemed as if they both understood that they needed time for themselves.

He sighed and wiped the remaining tears. His main mentor… Father has passed and it was all his fault. If he noticed sooner, acted quicker. Perhaps… He could have saved him. He shoved the stone back into his pocket and watched the fairies dance around floating in a mournful song. He couldn't pry his eyes away, his eyes stung from the amount of crying he did. Yet more tears swelled. He wiped them again sniffling, this time he felt a tug on his ear. He turned his attention to the small fairy.

"We can't stay here forever Link… We have to go." The small fairy flew down and rested on his shoulder. She lightly rubbed the green fabric of his tunic in a means to try and console the boy. He looked ahead and stared out into the small grove. It wasn't fair. She felt pity for the small boy.

"Seek out Link… Guide him… To me… Navi…" The words burned into her mind. This was his request. Being one of his personal fairies that guarded his grove she felt honored for such a task. However now she felt doubt within herself. His last words to her was to guide Link once more. Yet she knew nothing of what was outside of the castle. She turned her attention back to the depressed child. He had a small cut along his cheek, luckily that with some small bruises was all he escaped with in the fight with Queen Gohma. She shuddered at the memories of the giant mutated spider monster that had made her home in the heart of the Great Deku Tree.

He's just a boy… She thought bitterly, watching as a few strands of his hair blew with the breeze…

"Navi… Come here and look." The words echoed into the forest beckoning the young fairy. She flew eagerly to see what had piqued the interest of the Great Deku Tree. Below between his roots laid a small baby wrapped in mysterious blankets. The infant was in deep slumber, as other fairies had gathered to witness the event.

"Another Kokiri being born?" She flew down to get a closer look at the infant. All the fairies murmured amongst each other, unlike the other Kokiri this one's aura seemed a bit off.

"No. It is a Hylian." The voice echoed around them. Her eyes widened, never before has a Hylian been able to get so close to the village. The forest is elusive and hides those of impure hearts from the children of this forest. That was the power of the Great Deku Tree, the protector of the Kokiri.

"But why?" One of the fairies spoke up, a few had flown away from the child. Navi stayed close, analyzing the infant further. He seemed harmless, but yet keeping him here? The others would quickly figure out he wasn't a Kokiri. She crossed her arms.

"What will the others think?" She stared at the grand tree. There was a slight rumble from the ground, she turned to see the surrounding trees start to blur around. They were being transported but to where? Soon the blurring had eased and they flew around. A different grove this time. It was a bigger clearing with brick walls that almost looked as if they'd give at any moment. They all attached to a gray temple that was littered with vines. The stairs leading up to the temple had broken down. This was the temple of legend.

"He will stay here until he reaches the other's age." The Great Deku Tree spoke up. Navi looked around once more. It is clear that there was something he wasn't willing to share. Was it because he couldn't trust the fairies? She shook her head. There was no reason to doubt her master. Not yet, surely there was a reason.

"If I may ask another question?" Navi flew up to the tree staring up into the lively green leaves above her. She looked down to the face of the tree. The Great Deku tree when amongst the other Kokiri or fairies had shown his face. However when hiding away or warding against outsiders he would stay hidden pretending to be any other tree in the forest. His eyes pierced into hers, letting her know that she had his full attention.

"You won't be able to watch the boy forever… So who will?" She tilted her head in curiosity. It was true that the Great Deku Tree couldn't watch over the child even if he wanted to. He had a duty to this forest, and it would be selfish to expect him to carry on as a babysitter as well. He chuckled at her question, which made the small fairy question her inquiry.

"Yes… Dear Navi, I would bestow this honor of watching the child to you and Saria." She blinked at him. The words sat in her mind for a moment. Her? Was this some kind of joke? How was this an honor?

"I… I don't understand Great Deku Tree. Why me?" She probed more hoping to get more information. She turned her attention back towards the boy.

"You are my trusted companion Navi… You are wise and have wit. This boy needs those fundamentals around him. In due time you will understand the part everyone will play in this forest. I wish I could say more, however I do not wish to disrupt fate." He praised her. With that he dismissed everyone else. Leaving just the three of them.

"What is his name?" She flew down and delicately landed on his chest. Feeling his soft small breathing. She never interacted with Hylians before, but raising a child? So many thoughts raced in her mind. This was certainly going to be a challenge for her. Luckily she'd have Saria's help. However she wasn't sure how much Saria could help. Neither of them knew anything about how to take care of an infant.

"His mother called him Link…" She tilted her head at the name. Link…

She sighed, getting up she had lost herself in her thoughts again. As much as she hated the idea of leaving. She had to, she would not disappoint the Great Deku Tree's last words. She dusted herself off and flew up in front of the boy's face. She snapped, catching his attention. She faked a happy smile and waved at the boy. Seeing him in this state pained her, he was reluctant to leave. But she had to get him going.

"Link… it's not your fault. We did… No, you did everything you could." She began flying up to and stroked the cut on his cheek. He shifted his head away slightly.

"It hurts… But this is the life of every being in this world. It is a cycle, a bittersweet cycle… But you heard his words. He knew he was dying. The Great Deku Tree accepted his fate, so we must as well. He wouldn't want us to sit here like this. We have to fulfill his last wishes…" She tried once more, watching the young boy rub his eyes. He let out a deep sigh and nodded. She smiled once more, flying up and coaxing the boy further. She flew down and laid on top of his head. His ruly golden locks flattened beneath her weight. Uncertainty lingered in her mind as the next challenge awaited them.

Link took a small inventory of his supplies, double checking to make sure he had the stone in his pocket. Feeling the stone in the pouch he let out another deep breath. Whispers of the fairies swarm around the two. Navi quickly flew towards his ear.

"No matter what is said or by who. Don't listen to them. Only you and I know the truth." She whispered into his ear. She flew close by glaring at the other gossiping fairies. Leaving the clearing they headed back into the village. The village was deserted, like a ghost town. Even Mido who stood guard at the entrance to the grove was gone. A sinking feeling entered into her. It was never this quiet.

"There you are." A stern voice called from behind. The two had turned to see a group of Kokiri staring Link down. In the front stood Mido. His orange curly hair framed his small face. His eyes were cold and stared down Link.

"So you have the guts to come out and show yourself after what you just pulled." Mido walked up and jabbed his finger into Link's chest making him step backwards. Navi glared at the boy flying around into Mido's face.

"Leave him alone. He didn't do anything!" She had growled, Mido looked up at the small fairy and raised a brow. As if on cue a light pink fairy flew up and pushed Navi back. She had recognized her from earlier. She was among one of the gossiping fairies. However, how did she end up here so fast?

"Stay away from Mido you traitor. You're disgusting for even trying to defend him!" The other fairy yelled. Navi looked at the two of them. Before she could usher another word Mido had slapped her away sending her flying.

"Navi!" Link cried out, turning to try and reach her. Mido took this opportunity to push the unguarded boy, making him stumble backwards. Losing his footing he fell into the small river that split in the middle of the village. The other Kokiri began laughing, bending down to grab anything and threw it at Link. Rocks, dirt, even Deku nuts. Navi quickly regained herself and flew quickly to Link.

"Come on! Get up Get up! We can't stay here!" She flew around dodging the rocks being thrown at her. Link stumbled up slipping slightly and took off, Navi flew close behind. Looking at the jeering kids she felt herself grow hot with anger. They continued into the tunnel, rumors were once told about children who ran away out of the forest. The small tales would instill fear into the Kokiri from leaving. But there was no time to think about that.

"Oh, you're leaving…" The hushed soft voice spoke into the woods. Link stopped abruptly, panting slightly. He didn't want to turn around, it was overwhelming as is.

"I knew…That you would leave this forest someday Link…" The voice moved closer. Navi flew around to confirm who it was. Saria… She looked down at the small girl, she was looking down into the palm of her hands. Her hands gripping something tightly. Her hair that was kept down in a short bob fell down her face.

"I knew.. Because you were different from me and my friends… But that was ok." She choked back tears. Link froze for a moment, he knew if he turned around that he'd start crying again. Din only knew he was so tired of crying. She sniffled again, reaching over to touch his shoulder. Link took a deep breath in before turning around, he was slightly taller than Saria. She pulled her hands into her chest and bit her lower lip.

"We'll be friends forever… Won't we?" She asked, the silence made the air heavy.

"Always…" Link whispered. Hearing those words Saria lightly smiled. A tear ran down her cheek.

"Link I want you to have this… Please." She looked up and smiled at Link, She reached out revealing a light peach colored ocarina. Link's eyes widened, this was the one that she always played with. Link was hesitant at first, but reached out and held out his hand. She lightly placed the instrument in his hand and covered his hand with hers.

"I know you'll take great care of this. When you play this... I only wish that you think of me and never forget about me." She giggled slightly and sniffled again. Their hands remained there, Link stared at their hands being together. He couldn't do this. Leaving her was too much. This was just all too much. He quickly pulled his hands away and turned and ran. He couldn't bear staying any longer.

"I only wish that you think of me and never forget about me…" Those words echoed into his mind. Gripping the instrument hard, he bit his lower lip and pushed faster. Navi followed close behind not saying anything more. She looked behind and watched as Saria's figure faded into the distance.

XxX

Author's Note: Hi! I think this will be a sorta long fic, I'll hopefully post every week. I'm not quite used to posting on this website yet. BUT there are slight twists in this story. But I wanted to start from the very beginning cause why not hehe. Anywho I hope you enjoyed this chapter. :)